We fund nonprofit organizations in LA + Orange County, CA, Washington, DC, and Western, MA focused on advancing education and employment outcomes for historically underserved youth through College Access & Success, Career Pathways, and Family Strengthening programs.

Must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (described in IRS section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2) or in certain cases 509(a)(3) | Must serve or be located in LA + Orange County, CA; Washington, DC; or Western MA | Must demonstrate or have a plan to demonstrate measurable outcomes | Generally only one grant per calendar year to any organization | Returning grantees must submit a final report prior to a new application; final reports due no more than 60 days after the end of the grant period

Ceres Foundation Grants

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to fund the development, launch, and continuation of partnerships between eligible sponsoring organizations and PK–12 districts to promote improved teacher preparation and development in evidence-based early literacy instruction and improved early literacy outcomes for PK–3 students. All students deserve access to high quality instruction, and it will take collaborative and innovative efforts on the part of both districts and educator preparation programs to ensure that PK–3 educators have the pre-service training as well as the ongoing professional development needed to well-serve Massachusetts students. The goal of this grant program is forbothdistricts and sponsoring organizations to benefit from collaboration through multi-year consortia developed to impact early literacy teaching and learning through preparation of candidates and ultimately hiring and employment of effective Elementary, Early Childhood, and Moderate Disabilities PK–2/PK–8 teachers.

FY27 Early Literacy Consortium Grant

Ross invests in a small number of direct grants to federal tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government programs that serve a community in an area where we have a large presence; funding emphasizes academic achievement and life skills in economically disadvantaged youth, ages 3-24.

Be a federal tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, school, or government program | Align with Ross' philanthropic mission to create brighter futures by building academic achievement and life skills in economically disadvantaged youth, ages 3-24 | Serve a community in one of the specific areas listed by Ross (see program geography/notes) | Have not received a donation from Ross’ Regional Giving Program within the past 12 months (exceptions for gift cards/store-based giving noted) | Organizations awarded grants three consecutive years are not eligible to apply in 2026 | Limit submissions to one Letter of Inquiry per organization; LOIs must be submitted online (no mail, email, or fax)

Regional Giving Program

The Curtis Trust’s mission is to assist low income elder and disabled persons in Plymouth County, Massachusetts and the contiguous towns to remain in their homes and experience an improved quality of life. Support has primarily been for Visiting Nurses Associations and like groups, and more recently for assistance to the visually impaired, emergency fuel assistance and palliative care.

Must be a US organization tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) | Grants from the Curtis Trust are not made to individuals | Provide evidence of 501(c)(3) tax exempt status (IRS determination letter, if available) | Audited Financial Statements for the 2025 year

George E. Curtis Home Fund

Earth Rising Foundation is a small climate-justice 501(c)(3) that provides material support for climate activism and projects across youth activism, Indigenous voices, regenerative agriculture and sustainable visions. The Programs hub describes funding for projects and links to an Apply page.

Must disburse funds through an existing US-based nonprofit

Indigenous Voices

THE FOUNDATION PROVIDES SMALL GRANTS ($250-$2000) TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND IN SOME CASES, INDIVIDUALS DEMONSTRATING NEED TO IMPROVE FUTURE OUTCOMES.

Letter of inquiry (LOI) required | Applicant resume required | Proposed budget for expenditure of potential grant funds required | Documentary proof of non-profit IRS tax-exempt status (if applicable) | Non-profit prior year and current year-to-date balance sheet and income statement (if applicable) | Must be a qualifying distribution recipient per IRS 501(c)(3) and exempt under 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) (for organizational applicants)

Small Grants Program

Invests in initiatives that expand access to high-quality financial education (especially for youth and young adults) and build educator capacity; supports creative approaches to advancing financial literacy.

Must be a charitable organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status provided by the IRS | Must comply with The Charles Schwab Corporation's nondiscrimination policy | Not eligible: Individuals | Not eligible: Private foundations | Not eligible: Individual pre-K–12 schools or school-related activities at individual schools | Not eligible: Booster clubs, bands, or athletic teams/leagues | Not eligible: Organizations that are political in nature | Not eligible: Private clubs and fraternal or social organizations

Ceres Foundation Grants

About this program

Eligibility

Geographic eligibility

Contact & website

[email protected]

401.368.5675

ceresgiving.org

Past recipients

2024

The Nature Conservancy Of Sc

$250,000

Nuvance Health Network

$50,000

Taubman Museum Of Art

$50,000

Fare Food Allergy Research And Education

$50,000

Nemours Wildlife Foundation

$50,000

American Cancer Society

$35,000

Carilion Clinic Foundation

$27,500

Gibbes Museum Of Art

$25,000

Science Museum Of Western Virginia

$25,000

Closes in 2 days

~$10K (345 grants)

California, Massachusetts, District of Columbia

Similar Grants

FY27 Early Literacy Consortium Grant

Up to $200.0K

Regional Giving Program

$10.0K–$30.0K

George E. Curtis Home Fund

~$24K

Indigenous Voices

$200.0–$20.0K

Small Grants Program

$250.0–$2.0K

Schwab Moneywise Momentum Grants

$50.0K–$250.0K